‘His life is different now’: Michael Schumacher update given by close friend

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Jean Todt, the former head of Ferrari, shared that Michael Schumacher is “not the same person he once was,” more than a decade after the legendary F1 driver was last seen in public.

At the age of 55, Schumacher experienced a serious head trauma in a skiing accident that took place in Meribel, France, back in December 2013.

The health status of the seven-time F1 world champion has remained largely unknown in the years that have passed, as his wife Corinna has been adamant about keeping his privacy intact while he focuses on his recovery.

Todt, who collaborated with Schumacher during his remarkable run of five consecutive championships from 2000 to 2004, has consistently provided updates on the German driver. He has mentioned before that he has enjoyed watching F1 races with Schumacher. Last year, the Frenchman also shared his thoughts about the Ferrari icon once more.

"Michael is present, so I don't feel his absence," Todt shared with L’Equipe in 2023.

He's just not the same Michael he once was. He's changed, and he’s beautifully supported by his wife and kids who look out for him.

"His life has changed, and I am grateful to experience special moments with him. That's all I want to express."

"Sadly, ten years ago, everything changed for him. He’s no longer the same Michael we recognized in Formula 1."

Last December, Germany premiered a documentary series titled "Being Michael Schumacher," featuring insights from his son Mick, as well as Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. Hamilton referred to Schumacher as an exceptional driver, calling him a "full out, great racer."

Last October, the family's attorney, Felix Damm, explained why there hasn't been any public disclosure of a "final report" concerning the health of the 54-year-old.

Damm explained to the German publication LTO, "The main focus has always been on safeguarding personal matters. We deliberated on whether a conclusive report regarding Michael's health would be an appropriate approach to achieving that."

"However, that wouldn't have been the final outcome, as there would have needed to be regular updates on the 'water levels,' and it wouldn't have been the family's choice to end the story's media coverage."

Todt maintains a strong bond with the Schumacher family. In 2022, he shared that he has been visiting the German driver as often as three times a week at times, noting that he is in excellent care and surrounded by loving support.

Todt mentioned that he continues to watch Formula 1 races alongside Schumacher, even though the current details of the German's health are unclear.

Mick Schumacher, the son of legendary driver Michael Schumacher, lost his position at Haas in Formula 1 in 2022. Currently, he serves as a reserve driver for Mercedes, the team for which his father raced between 2010 and 2012.

In the 2021 Netflix documentary called Schumacher, Corinna shared how their family has been coping with the circumstances and is still trying to "move forward with their lives."

“Michael is present. He may be different, but he’s with us, and that brings us strength, I believe,” Corinna remarked.

"We're all in this together. We share a home and go through therapy as a family. We’re taking every possible step to help Michael improve and ensure his comfort. It’s important to us that he feels the love and connection of our family. No matter what it takes, I’m committed to doing everything I can. We all are."

"We’re making an effort to continue as a family, just like Michael preferred and always wanted. We’re also moving forward with our lives. As he used to say, 'what’s private should stay private.'"

"It's crucial to me that he can maintain his personal life as freely as possible. Michael has always looked out for us, and now it's our turn to look out for him."

Schumacher shares the record for the highest number of Formula 1 world championships with Hamilton, both having won seven titles.

This article was first published on December 18, 2023.